NEW DELHI — It is a delicate balancing act to take a subject as brutal as war and render it through the medium of musical theatre. Yet, on November 20, the team at LTG Repertory achieved precisely this with their stirring production of “War Brides”.
Under the nuanced direction of Vipin Kumar, the play emerged not just as a story of a specific time or place, but as a universal commentary on the human condition. The production values were high, utilizing a sophisticated blend of choreography, lighting, and sound design to trap the audience in the claustrophobic, yet defiant, world of the characters.
The decision to adapt Wentworth’s play into a musical was a bold one, and it paid off.
Composer Rahul and Lyricist Harsh created a soundscape that served as the emotional
heartbeat of the play. Where words often fail to capture the magnitude of grief, the music took over. The songs provided a voice to the voiceless women of the narrative, turning their private pain into a public declaration of rights and empowerment.
The intensity of the performances on stage was no accident. It was the result of a rigorous developmental process led by the directorial team. Assistant Director Shikha Malhotra offered insight into the “invisible work” that defined the production.
“In my journey as a Director and Assistant Director, I’ve worked on many projects… but this one has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences,” Malhotra shared. She described the rehearsal room as a laboratory where the cast had to “build emotional truth together.”
“Bringing this story to life felt like winning an award in itself,” she added. “I’m proud that we were able to deliver a play that truly reached and touched our audience.”
The play ultimately served as a question mark hanging over modern society. Director Vipin Kumar noted that the production was designed to question the “necessity of war” in a world where conflicts are being fought on various fronts. By highlighting the struggles of women in war-torn regions, the play forced the audience to look beyond the headlines and see the human cost of geopolitical ambition. It was a powerful, necessary evening of theatre.
